Restraining device



A. L. RHOADES. I

RESTRAINING DEVICE.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 6, 1922.

1,438,331. Patentd Dec.12,1922.

Patented Dec. 12, 1922.

warren stares meant earner AARON L. BHOADES, OF ABILENE, KANSAS.

RESTBAINING DEVICE.

Application filed February 6, 1922. Serial No. 534,575.

I '0 all whom it may concern Be it known that AARON L. Rnonnns, a citizen of the United States, residing at Abilene. in the county of Dickinson and State of Kansas, has invented certain new and useful Improvements in Restrainingi Devices. of which the following is a specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawings.

This invention relates to certain improvements in restraining devices and it is primarily an object of the invention toprovide a novel and improved device of this general character in the nature of a hobb-le which is adapted to be attached to the legs of a cow to prevent the same from moving and kicking during a milking operation.

Another object of the invention 18 to provide a novel and improved device of this general character which may be readily attached and detached and which may be adjusted to hobble a cow to a greater or less degree. y

The invention consists in the details of construction and in the combination and arragement of the several parts of my improved restraining device whereby certain important advantages are attained and the device rendered simpler, less expensive and otherwise more convenient and advantageous for use, as will be hereinafter more fully set forth.

The novel features of my invention will hereinafter be definitely claimed.

In order that my invention may be the better understood, 1 will now proceed to describe the same with. reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a view in perspective illustrating a restraining device or hobble con structed in accordance with an embodiment of my invention;

Figure 2 is a view of my improved restraining device or hobble in applied position; and

Figure 3 is a fragmentary view in perspective illustrating ahook carried by one of the shackles and a portion of a chain held thereby.

As disclosed in the accompanying drawings, my improved restraining device or hobble comprises two hook-shaped members or shackles 4 and 5, each preferably made of a relatively broad strap of steel. Each of the hobbles is adapted to snugly fit around the hamstring of the cow. The side arms of each of the shackles t and 5 are of differing lengths and the longer side arm (L of each of these hooks or shackles is disposed or bent slightly inwardly while the free end portion of. the shorter arm I) is bent or turned slightly outward. to assure the desired snug fit. The free end portion of the longer arm a of the shackle 4 has secured thereto an extremity of a chain (3, said extremity of the chain (Slicing secured to the inner face of said side arm a.

The chain 6 is of desired length and is provided at its outer or free extremity with a ring 1, said ring 1 being applied or connected to the chain 6 after said chain 6 has been threaded through a ring 2 carried by the outer extremity of a second chain 7. The chain. 7 is relatively short and has its opposite end portion secured to the free end portion of the longer side arm a of the shackle 5.

Secured to the outer face of the longer arm a of the shackle L and at a point in relatively close proximity to its free end is a hook member 3 having its bill disposed toward the intermediate portion of the shackle 4. As disclosed in the accompanying drawings, the hill of the hook member 3 is slotted although it is to be understood, if desired, a hook member may be employed with a single bill.

In practice the shackles 4L and 5 are engaged over the hamstrings of the legs with the longer side arms a of said shackles overlying the outer sides of the legs. Pull is then imposed upon the chain 6 and preferably by engaging the ring 1, resulting in the legs of the animal being drawn close together to assure an effective hobble. After the legs of the animal have been properly connected a link of the chain 6 is engaged within the slot in the bill of the hook memher 3 and with the adjacent link of the chain 6 disposed laterally or transversely, as is particularly illustrated in Figure 3, the shackles are effectively held against separating movement.

With my improved restraining device or hobble applied the cow is effectively restrained against movement and kicking and which is of particular advantage during a milking operation.

The ring 1 is of a greater diameter than the interior or mean diameter of the ring 2 so that complete withdrawal is prevented of the member 6 through the ring 2 so that at no time will the shackles 4 and 5 or more particularly the flexible members 6 and 7 be completely separated or disconnected.

From the foregoing description it is thought to be obvious that a restraining device constructed in accordance with my invention is particularly well adapted for use by reason of the convenience and facility with which it may be assembled and operated, and it will also be obvious that my invention is susceptible of some change and modification without departing from the principles and spirit thereof and for this reason I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the precise arrangement and formation of the several parts herein shown in carrying out my invention in practice except as hereinafter claimed.

I claim:

1. A restraining device of the class described comprising a pair of shackles adapted to be engaged over the hamstrings of an animal, a flexible member secured to an extremity of each of the shackles, one of said flexible members having a ring through which the second flexible member is threaded, and a hook member carried by the shackle to which the second flexible member is connected and with which said second animal, a flexible member secured to an extremity of each of the shackles, one of said flexible members having a ring through which thesecond flexible member is threaded, a hook member carried by the shackle to which the second flexible member is connected and with which said second flexible member is adapted to be engaged to hold the shackles against separating movement, and means carried by the outer extremity of the second flexible member to prevent the complete withdrawal of the flexible member through the ring of the first flexible member.

3. A restraining device of the class described comprising a pair of shackles adapted to be engaged over the hamstrings of an animal, a flexible member secured to an extremity of each of the shackles, one of said flexible members having a ring through which the second flexible member is threaded, a hook member carried by the shackle to which the second flexible member is connected and with which said second flexible member is adapted to be engaged to hold the shackles against separating movement, the bill of the hook member being disposed in a direction away from the extremity of the shackle to which the second flexible member is connected.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto aflixed my signature.

AARON L. RHOADES. Witness:

PEARL RHOADES. 

